A MAN sped through West Reading after he had been drinking because he was distressed about breaking up with his girlfriend, a court heard.

Michal Ewertowski acted on “impulse” as he drove too fast along Oxford Road not long after drinking.

Reading Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday how the 29-year-old, of Grovelands Road in West Reading, was spotted by police driving at an “excessive speed” along Oxford Road on Monday, November 19.

After he had been stopped former haulage driver Ewertowski – who lost his job because he was given an interim ban from the road – was taken to Loddon Valley Police Station. At the roadside he was asked to provide a sample to indicate the level of alcohol in his breath, which he did.

Later, at the police station, he was asked to provide a blood sample. He did this, but it failed to register as there was a problem with the machine.

The court heard when he was asked to provide another sample he refused. While in custody Ewertowski, who does not have any previous convictions, provided false details to the police.

Jackie Phillips, defending, said a “machine malfunction” meant Ewertowski’s first sample did not register.

She said: “He had just broken up with his girlfriend and then jumped into his car and drove. It was an impulse action and not something he is likely to repeat.”

She said Ewertowski, who is now working at a building site, “had prospects”. “He has taken this very much on board,” she added. “This is a young man who has had a glitch on one particular evening.”

Ewertowski – who pleaded guilty to one count of refusing to provide a sample and one of resisting a constable in the execution of his duty – was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for two years. He was ordered to pay £60.